Bacon and Sausage Pasta

Bacon and Sausage Pasta Recipe - Authentic Latvian Dish

Region / culture: Europe, Latvia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bacon and Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the savory tastes of bacon and sausage with the rich textures of pasta and eggs. This recipe is perfect for those who love a meaty, satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you're looking for a new weeknight dinner option or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this pasta dish is sure to impress.

History

The origins of combining meat with pasta can be traced back to Italian cuisine, where dishes like spaghetti carbonara and pasta alla norcina shine. However, the specific combination of bacon and sausage in pasta is a more modern innovation, likely inspired by the popularity of these meats in various cuisines around the world. This recipe is a testament to the versatility of pasta as a base for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

2 strips of bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled
2 links of well-seasoned italian sausage, casings removed, crumbled, browned, and drained
3 tbsp of butter
1 garlic clove, crushed or 5 tbsp of garlic paste
2 tbsp of chopped parsley
a large pinch of dried basil
a large pinch of dried oregano
6 oz (170 g) of fettuccini
4 large eggs, beaten
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese
seasoned or plain salt
freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Cook the meats and set them aside.
Melt butter in a large, heavy skillet.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the cooked bacon, sausage, parsley, basil, and oregano.
Meanwhile, cook the fettuccini in plenty of boiling salted water until al dente, or firm to the bite, according to the cooking directions. Drain the fettuccini.
Add the drained fettuccini to the skillet and stir to blend.
Add the eggs and cheese, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Stir continuously until the eggs coat the fettuccini and begin to set in a few places.
Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and serve hot.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon and chicken sausage. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Bacon and Sausage Pasta turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use high-quality, well-seasoned Italian sausage for the best flavor.

- Cook the bacon and sausage until they're nicely browned to add a deep, savory taste to the dish.

- Reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water to add to the skillet if the mixture seems too dry. This will help create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.

- Be sure to continuously stir the pasta after adding the eggs to prevent them from scrambling. The goal is to achieve a creamy texture where the eggs gently coat the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bacon and Sausage Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad makes an excellent accompaniment to this hearty dish.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe include sautéing the garlic and meats to develop flavor, boiling the pasta to al dente perfection, and gently stirring in the eggs to create a creamy sauce without scrambling them.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of fettuccini, any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine will work well. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can cook the bacon and sausage ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to prepare the dish. This will make the final assembly quicker and easier.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl with a generous sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs on top. A twist of freshly ground black pepper adds a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

A robust red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the bacon and sausage. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Bacon and Sausage Pasta contains approximately 500 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the pasta, meats, and cheese, making this a hearty meal option.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Bacon and Sausage Pasta contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of carbohydrates in this dish is the fettuccini, which provides energy and helps to make the meal satisfying and filling.

Fats

This dish is relatively high in fats, with a serving containing about 20 grams of fat. The fats come from the bacon, sausage, butter, and Parmesan cheese. While these ingredients contribute to the dish's rich flavor, it's important to enjoy this meal in moderation if you're monitoring your fat intake.

Proteins

Bacon and Sausage Pasta is an excellent source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 25 grams. The proteins from the bacon, sausage, and eggs not only contribute to the dish's savory flavor but also help to make it a filling and nutritious meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This pasta dish provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 from the meats, calcium from the cheese, and various antioxidants from the herbs. While not the primary focus of the dish, these nutrients contribute to its overall nutritional profile.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the pasta), dairy (from the butter and cheese), and eggs. Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Bacon and Sausage Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. While it is relatively high in calories and contains some common allergens, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Bacon and Sausage Pasta is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of bacon and sausage with creamy eggs and Parmesan cheese. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, it's a perfect meal for any occasion. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Bacon and Sausage Pasta. It was a cool autumn day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret for our weekly coffee and chat. Margaret was an excellent cook, and I always loved trying out her new recipes.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of sizzling bacon and sausage filled the air, making my mouth water. Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today," she said, handing me a steaming plate of pasta coated in a rich and savory sauce.

I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The combination of crispy bacon, hearty sausage, and creamy sauce was a match made in culinary heaven. I begged Margaret for the recipe, and she laughed and promised to write it down for me.

Over the years, I have made this Bacon and Sausage Pasta recipe countless times, each time tweaking it slightly to suit my taste. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a comforting and indulgent meal that never fails to impress.

The origins of this recipe are a bit murky, as Margaret herself learned it from a friend who learned it from her grandmother. But one thing is for sure – this dish has been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to it.

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family. The look of delight on their faces as they dug into their plates filled me with pride. My husband declared it the best pasta dish he had ever tasted, and my children asked for seconds and thirds.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or substituting spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Each variation was met with rave reviews, and soon this Bacon and Sausage Pasta became a staple in our household.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were picky eaters, as most kids are, but I knew that this pasta dish would win them over. I let them help me cook, showing them how to fry the bacon until it was crispy and brown, and how to crumble the sausage into the sauce.

Their eyes lit up with excitement as they tasted the finished dish, and I couldn't help but chuckle at their messy faces covered in sauce. They declared me the best cook in the world, and I beamed with pride at their praise.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe to pass on to future generations, I can't help but feel grateful for the joy and memories that this dish has brought me. It may just be a simple pasta recipe, but to me, it represents so much more – a bond between friends, a connection to the past, and a legacy to be shared with loved ones.

So here it is, my beloved recipe for Bacon and Sausage Pasta, a dish that has been a constant in my life for so many years. I hope that whoever tries it will experience the same joy and satisfaction that I have, and perhaps create their own memories and traditions around this humble yet delicious meal. Bon appétit!